The Coral Reef Blog Project

Final By Rudi Fasolino

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How dead is the Great Barrier Reef?

Coral bleaching is the biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef. But it's too early for obituaries. Start your Audible 30-day free trial at http://www.audibl...

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Would you change sunscreen if it could help save the Great Barrier Reef?

Hawaii has banned the sale of sunscreens containing two common chemicals that damage coral reefs.

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In Conclusion

As you can see our window to save coral reefs is getting smaller everyday. Yet there is always hope, and many people do what they can to make a difference.  One day our children will know that we were the generation that saved the coral reef, or let is die. Only we can make that choice, now you make yours

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Whats You Can Do to Save the Coral Reefs

1. Conserve water

2. Help reduce pollution

3. Research what you put on your lawn

4. Dispose of your trash properly

5. Support reef-friendly businesses

6. Plant a tree

7. Practice safe and responsible diving and snorkeling

8. Volunteer for a coral reef cleanup

9. Contact your government representatives

10. Spread the word

“Ways to Help Coral Reefs | The Nature Conservancy.” Red Foxes in Indiana | The Nature Conservancy, www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/urgentissues/oceans/coral-reefs/ways-to-help-coral-reefs/index.htm.

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Coral Bleaching and Polution

Coral bleaching occurs when the relationship between the coral host and zooxanthellae, which give coral much of their color, breaks down. Without the zooxanthellae, the tissue of the coral animal appears transparent and the coral's bright white skeleton is revealed. Corals begin to starve once they bleach. While some corals are able to feed themselves, most corals struggle to survive without their zooxanthellae. If conditions return to normal, corals can regain their zooxanthellae, return to their normal color and survive. However, this stress is likely to cause decreased coral growth and reproduction, and increased susceptibility to disease. Bleached corals often die if the stress persists. Coral reefs that have high rates of coral death following bleaching can take many years or decades to recover.

“Coral Bleaching.” Australia Government - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, www.gbrmpa.gov.au/managing-the-reef/threats-to-the-reef/climate-change/what-does-this-mean-for-species/corals/what-is-coral-bleaching.

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What Lives in Coral Reefs?

Coral reefs are home to an abundant variety of living creatures such as fish, turtles, sharks, eels, crabs, shrimps, urchins, sponges, and algae. In the Pacific islands, coral reefs have some of the highest biodiversity in the world. For example, Guam hosts over 3,500 species of plants and animals, including 200 different types of corals. That is an amazing number of organisms. So many organisms like to live on coral reefs because they provide shelter and food. To escape predators, animals can hide within cracks and crevices in the reef created by corals. Nearly every living thing on a reef is food for another organism, and together they make up a complex food web.

Jones, Adrian. “Coral Reefs and Climate Change - What Lives on a Coral Reef - Teach Ocean Science.” Title Banner, www.teachoceanscience.net/teaching_resources/education_modules/coral_reefs_and_climate_change/what_lives_on_a_coral_reef/.

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What is Coral?

Coral reefs are built by and made up of thousands of tiny animals, coral polyps that are related to anemones and jellyfish. Polyps can live individually or in large colonies that comprise an entire reef structure. A polyp has a sac-like body and an opening, or mouth, encircled by stinging tentacles called nematocysts. The polyp uses calcium and carbonate ions from seawater to build itself a hard, cup-shaped skeleton made of calcium carbonate (limestone). This limestone skeleton protects the soft, delicate body of the polyp. Coral polyps are usually nocturnal, meaning that they stay inside their skeletons during the day. At night, polyps extend their tentacles to feed. Most coral polyps have clear bodies. Their skeletons are white, like human bones. Generally, their brilliant color comes from the zooxanthellae (tiny algae) living inside their tissues. Several million zooxanthellae live and produce pigments in just one square inch of coral. These pigments are visible through the clear body of the polyp and are what gives coral its beautiful color.

“Coral Polyps.” Coral Reef Alliance, coral.org/coral-reefs-101/coral-reef-ecology/coral-polyps/.

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Introduction

You've most likely seen those ocean documentaries on tv as a kid, with the deep trenches filled with bioluminescent creatures and the huge whales peeking above the surface for air. Yet what if one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, were to just become a thing of the past. Coral reefs are slowly dying, they have been for years, and the main cause of this is climate change. As global warming heats up the ocean it bleaches the coral, which puts them at a high risk of dying. The coral reef is constructed of polyps, which are tiny organisms related to sea anemones, that cluster together and build a calcium skeleton on top of old coral. This creates an ever expanding environment, like the Great Barrier Reef which stretches across the cost of Australia, and is home to an estimated 25% of marine species. In this blog i will explore the effects of pollution and global warming on coral reefs and what is being done to help.